Pest identification
What's eating my western maidenhair fern?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale flecked or bronzed pinnules; delicate webbing; fronds crisp and fall prematurely
Control: Mist frequently or use a humidifier; rinse plant under tepid water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until clear
Scale insects
Signs: Waxy bumps along stems and on frond undersides; sticky honeydew; yellowing and wilting fronds
Control: Scrape off with a soft brush moistened with neem oil; repeat insecticidal soap treatments every 7–10 days
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white clusters at frond axils and stem bases; sap loss causes frond collapse
Control: Dab with alcohol swab; spray with dilute neem oil; isolate affected plant; repeat weekly for a month
Keep western maidenhair fern pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Western Maidenhair Fern pests — FAQ
What is eating my western maidenhair fern?
Western Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum aleuticum) is susceptible to spider mites in dry indoor environments, which are opposite to its preferred cool, moist conditions. Scale and mealybugs can occur on its fan-shaped pinnules. Maintaining high humidity and avoiding dry heat minimises pest pressure significantly.
How do I get rid of spider mites on western maidenhair fern?
Pale flecked or bronzed pinnules; delicate webbing; fronds crisp and fall prematurely Mist frequently or use a humidifier; rinse plant under tepid water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until clear
How do I get rid of scale insects on western maidenhair fern?
Waxy bumps along stems and on frond undersides; sticky honeydew; yellowing and wilting fronds Scrape off with a soft brush moistened with neem oil; repeat insecticidal soap treatments every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on western maidenhair fern?
Cottony white clusters at frond axils and stem bases; sap loss causes frond collapse Dab with alcohol swab; spray with dilute neem oil; isolate affected plant; repeat weekly for a month